Gift boxes in garbage draw criminals

Local police are asking residents to think about what they're throwing out this week.

Authorities say putting empty boxes of new and expensive gifts, like big screen TVs and computers, is an advertisement to criminals. Instead it's recommended you wait until the day your garbage is picked up to take the boxes out.

"They need the money or the items for whatever reasons and you are advertising by throwing these big boxes out there that advertise you got the new 55-inch LED TV or a new computer and they see an opportunity, they will take it," said La Crosse Police Sergeant Randy Rank.

Police also recommend having someone check your house and pick up your mail everyday if you go away for an extended time.

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